This weekend, I spent a few days in Tampa, Florida with some real estate friends from around the country. Unofficially called #Unwind, it was a chance to appreciate without any agenda, converse without any competition, and talk without pre-written talking points.
Attendees included agents from California and Columbus (me), New Jersey and Niceville (FL), as well as the host city, Tampa. We sat around backyards, bonfires, and local breweries sharing ideas, information, and lots of information about the many ways of becoming successful.
Here are a few insights on what I learned this week while #Unwinding…
- It’s easier to relax and unwind when it’s 70 degrees and sunny instead of 36 degrees and snowing.
- Never forget that the way “you do it” is probably not the only way that things can be done.
- Learn to “track” your business. An pre-dawn visit to Tampa Bay Downs to watch the horses train in the misty morning fog, was a great remind that much of your success happens before race day.
- Being knowledgeable about the local market goes beyond just knowing how to work the MLS. It means knowing neighborhoods, side streets, schools, and the best “local” spots…like Metro Diner in South Tampa. For what it’s worth, I recommend the “Meat Lovers” omelet and the $2.99 Bloody Marys. (Yep, that was plural on purpose)
- When you have an opportunity to visit an iconic place in a city – like the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, make sure to go. You just might end up with a server like Frank. The world would be better if more of us could #BeLikeFrank.
- “Roll” with the punches; We walked down 7th Avenue after lunch so a few of the guys could enjoy some of the traditional hand-rolled cigars found all over the Ybor City neighborhood. LongAsh Cigars was a perfect landing place featuring leather couches, a plentiful humidor, and a few TVs showing college football games.
- Enjoy your “just desserts.” – Getting into the famous Bern’s Steakhouse wasn’t possible (without reservations made weeks in advance), but we were able to get a reservation for the “Dessert Room” at Bern’s and it didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed coffee drinks, sweet treats, and top shelf bourbons along with more in-depth conversations over everything that building relationships, solving problems and having fun is all about.
- Stats tell; Stories sell. We visited a few local craft breweries in Pinellas County and between the history of the brewery and the stories we shared over pale ales and porters, we discussed more about ways to exceed customer’s expectations, engage new technology into our experience, and elevate our industry.
As much as I enjoyed #UnwindTampa2021 and would have loved to have it last a little longer, it inevitably became time to wind down the weekend and get back to business.
The “goodbyes” we all shared were more “good lucks” as we knew the all-star attendees were going to head back home and finish the year strong. The “ideas” we took now must become “intentions” we act on. The excitement we shared together must now become excitement that we harness alone.
Thanks to Anthony and Lydia, Amy, Ginny Lee, Nat and Renee and Grace. Thanks also to Greg, Eric, and Bill and Patti too. I guess it’s perfect that the opportunity to “unwind” has actually given me a second wind to finish the year strong and set things in motion to get things in place for a great year ahead.